Tempting Flames equalled the world record for a two-year-old filly pacer on a five-eighths mile track with a 1:50 mile in one of two $104,167 Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) divisions for her grouping at Scioto Downs on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Breadnbutterz (Trevor Smith) blasted off the car from post nine to make the early lead, but it was short lived as the 1-9 favourite Tempting Flames and David Miller quickly took over by the :28 quarter. Tempting Flames blasted in :26.2 to the :54.2 half, then put separation on the field going to the 1:22.1 three-quarters. She then unleashed a :27.4 final panel and drew off to win by 7-1/2 lengths over Breadnbutterz, with Splendid Station (Justin Irvine) third. The clocking broke the Scioto record for a rookie filly pacer and tied the world record set by Beach Cowgirl in 2022.

“It’s pretty remarkable really,” said trainer Mike Hitchcock. “It’s hard to put into words. David said she was very good. I don’t think her earplugs have been popped yet, so I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

“She’s very athletic…she’s quiet in the barn. She jogs very nice, trains nice. She’s just a really great filly all around. She gets a little wound up in the paddock, but she likes to have company beside her, she likes to have another horse so she can see other horses, she’s a lot quieter.”

Tempting Flames now has $267,987 earned in six starts and four wins. By Catch The Fire out of the Mcardle mare Hotshot Temptress, Tempting Flames was a $72,222 Ohio Selected Yearling Sale purchase by William Hartt from breeder Ivy Holdings. The win price was $2.10.

“She’s just so rugged built, she’s very muscular," said Hitchcock. "She’s not huge, but I think she’ll grow some this winter and this fall. That’s why I liked her when I purchased her at the sale, I just liked the way she was built, she looked strong and she’s very, very well built.”

Looking ahead, Tempting Flames has another leg of the OHSS and the Ohio Breeders Championship at the Delaware County Fair, but she’s also looking to go outside of the state.

“She’s got some stakes down in Kentucky, she’s paid up in the Breeders Crown and the Matron. Dan (Holmes), my second trainer, he does an awesome job, and Lorie Davis, she does a really good job with her. She’ll probably go out east, the biggest thing is going to be keeping her healthy and sound and happy.

“The best thing about the Breeders Crown (at Scioto this year) is that it’s like home-field advantage, it’s what she’s used to. She gets to stay in her home, in her stall, train at her own farm and get turned out. So it’s not going to be a change of atmosphere for her, so I think that’s a plus. It’s exciting, Billy (Hartt) is game, he loves the game. Everyone wants one like her so fingers crossed we’ll keep it rolling.”

Cleveland Darby won the other OHSS division in 1:54 in line to Chris Page. Taking the lead by the :28.3 opening quarter, Cleveland Darby gave way to Party Up (Luke Hanners) by the three-eighths and sat the pocket behind fractions of :57.1 and 1:26.1. Cleveland Darby came up the passing lane to win by a length over Party Up. Moni N The Safe (Brett Miller) was third.

Cleveland Darby, by Downbytheseaside out of the Mcardle mare Loreenas Ruffian, was bred by Carl Howard. Owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, R A S Racing LLC and Larry Karr, the Ron Burke trainee has three wins in six starts with $166,585 in earnings. He paid $4.60 to win.

Racing continues at Scioto Downs on Thursday with a 16-race card starting at 5:25 p.m.

(Scioto Downs)